Arsenal have not hidden their desire to reinforce their midfield by signing Athletico Madrid Ghanaian midfield marshal, Thomas Partey . The Madrid club is open to selling but only at the right price which is the release clause which stands at 50million Euros.

Arsenal do not have as much disposable cash to splash out on transfer targets and this has somehow slowed down the transfer moves for Partey. The Gunners have already confirmed the signing of Willian from Chelsea, Gabriel from Lille but until Thomas arrives from Athletico Madrid, the “Partey” cannot start. How then can Arsenal get their man?

The attempt to try a player plus cash offer has been rebuffed by the capital club. The Gunners offered wantaway midfielder Matteo Guendozi who would have been a like for like replacement for Partey but Athletico rejected, insisting on the full payment of the release clause. The young French midfielder is seen as disposable having been frozen out of the Arsenal squad by manager, Mikel Arteta. 

Recent reports have revealed Athletico Madrid’s interest in signing Arsenal’s French forward Alexander Lacazette. This could be the solution to the Partey conundrum. Athletico Madrid wants Lacazette and Arsenal want Partey, can we just have the swap deal already? 

At 29 years, this is the time for Arsenal to make a decision on Lacazette. He is not getting any younger and with him having just 2 years left on his current contract, Arsenal cannot have a better time to cash in if that is the intention. His value cannot get any higher so it would be good to allow him leave for Athletico Madrid now if that would seal the “Partey” Arsenal fans have been waiting for.

In Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal have a budding replacement for Lacazette and with a decent fee, they could bring in a ready replacement in Celtic striker, Odsonne Edouard. 

At 27 years, Thomas Partey represents good value for money with probable resale value which means Arsenal can still sell him a few years down the line when the likes of Willock could have come of age and experience and recoup part of the funds. 

The Premier League season is almost upon us and Arsenal cannot afford to dither in the signing of their prime transfer target. The earlier the party starts, the better but without Thomas, there can be no “Partey”.

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